10th Annual Panda Chess Academy Summer Training Program

June 19–23 (Advanced)June 26-30 (Advanced)July 10–14 (Advanced)July 17-21 (Advanced)July 24–28July 31- August 4

Advanced camps are designed to challenge experienced tournament players. Camps that are not listed as “Advanced” have both advanced and intermediate classes. If you have questions about which camp is best for your child, please email jeff@chesspanda.com.

Schedule

Full day session: 9:00am–3:45pmMorning session: 9:00am–11:45amDrop-off: 8:30am–9:00amPick-up: 3:45pm–4:00pm (11:45am–12:00pm for morning session)Early drop-off and late pick-up is available. Please email jeff@chesspanda.com for more information.

Location

Panda Chess Academy: 9900 Westpark #254 Houston, TX 77063.

Who should attend?

-Experienced tournament players-Those who have had some chess instruction-Those who wish to be challenged

Full Day

Full day camps are perfect for advanced or older students. There is a LOT of chess instruction, training exercises, and chess play during the day, and this might be too much chess for the younger or less experienced player.

Half Day

Half day camps are best for younger students and those who have busy summer schedules.

Head Instructor

Jeffrey Ashton: USCF Master, professional chess instructor, and owner/founder of the Panda Chess Academy.Additional instructors may join the camp.

Assistant on Staff

An assistant with child-care experience will be on staff at all times.

More Info

The camps are held at Panda Chess Academy, a full time chess academy and tournament site for scholastic chess players (Kindergarten–12th grade students). We provide chess sets, clocks, notation sheets, pencils, and other chess equipment. Child-safe computers and tablets are used for chess training exercises, study, and game analysis.

We provide written exercises and notes that are custom-made for our students. Written exercises are assigned for both classwork and for students to take home. We provide books for students to use and borrow.

Students have many opportunities to play training games. All training games are unrated, but they are played in tournament-like conditions, using United States Chess Federation rules. We require students to notate their games so instructors can give detailed feedback.

Curriculum

Every camp has a unique curriculum. We have many repeat campers, so every camp has new material.

Topics/activities include• Calculation through puzzle/problem solving• Developing an opening repertoire• Opening play and how it transitions to the middle-game• Formulation of plans and strategies• Endgames with only a few pieces on the board• Endgames with many pieces on the board• Assessing a chess position: Who is really winning and why?• Game analysis: Erasing bad habits and learning from your games• How to learn from famous games• Playing your best in every game consistently• Using Chessbase, Fritz, and other training software to improve• Developing a home study routine

Other Activities

Group puzzle solving, tournament games, training games from specific endgames and middle games, guessing the move in famous games, and more.

Personalized Learning Experience

Training games are closely observed so instructors can provide detailed advice for each individual. Customized opening feedback is available for individuals based on notated training games. Students are encouraged to bring notated games played at home or at other tournaments so we can learn as much as possible about each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Students are encouraged to ask chess questions and bring their tournament notation sheets.

Snacks and Lunch

Snacks and bottled water are provided. Students are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks as well. Students must bring their own lunch. A microwave is available. We ask that students do not bring any nut-based foods due to allergies.

About the Panda Chess Academy Summer Training Programs

The Panda Chess Academy has been in Houston for 9 years and it has expanded to larger locations twice due to growth in membership. The Panda Chess Academy is a full-time scholastic chess school and tournament playing site affiliated with the United States Chess Federation. Over 500 United States Chess Federation scholastic tournaments have been hosted at Panda Chess Academy. About 120 different players visit the Panda Chess Academy every week for tournaments and instruction. Students have gone on to compete in State, National, and World Youth championships.

This is our 10th year offering Summer Training Camps at the Panda Chess Academy.The academy is located in a modern office building shared with several respectable corporations. The academy consists of 4 rooms that are cleaned daily by professional cleaning staff. Restrooms and water fountains are on site.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to show great behavior and perfect sportsmanship at all times. Any disrespect for others will not be tolerated. Our camps attract very passionate chess players who are friendly towards others. These camps are a great opportunity for chess players to learn and play a lot, but it might be “too much chess” for newcomers.

Registration and Price

Camps are limited in size. Players will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.

Full Day (9am–3:45pm) $345 Morning Session (9am–11:45am) $225

Sibling Discount

One child pays the full amount and additional siblings receive a $50 discount. Please note that this cannot be combined with the repeat camper discount. Only one discount may be used per camp.

Repeat Camper Discount

Campers who attend more than one camp receive a discount. After paying the regular price for the first camp, the camper may take $50 off the price of each additional camp. The repeat camper discount may not be combined with the sibling discount. Repeat discounts do not carry over from previous years.

How To Register

Step 1. Fill out the online registration form located at: http://www.chesspanda.com/form.html.Step 2. Mail a check made payable to Jeffrey Ashton to: Jeffrey Ashton 3139 W. Holcombe #362 Houston, TX 77025.If you prefer, you may print out the registration form and mail it with your payment. Please remember that space is limited and we admit students on a first come first serve basis. Online registration is the fastest way to reserve a spot.If you have any questions, please e-mail jeff@chesspanda.com.